UNDERSTANDING GUIDED CARE
Guided Care is a type of healthcare plan designed to streamline the treatment process by guiding members to approved specialists, hospitals, or clinics within a specific network. These options are cost-effective because they utilise trusted healthcare providers that the insurer has pre-approved and negotiated rates with. Members benefit from access to high-quality care while insurers manage costs effectively, helping to maintain affordable premiums.
Guided Care options often mean that the insurer plays an active role in the treatment journey, offering recommendations or directing members to specific providers. This approach balances flexibility with cost control and ensures members receive appropriate treatment without unexpected bills.
Each insurer’s Guided Care option operates slightly differently, offering varying levels of choice and network access.
General & Medical – Guided Care
General & Medical offers a Guided Care option, which allows members to access a network of approved specialists and facilities. When treatment is required, members are guided to recognised healthcare providers within their network, ensuring quality care while keeping costs manageable. This approach helps streamline treatment pathways and maintain affordable premiums.
Aviva – Expert Select
Expert Select is a reduced hospital list. Please see the full hospital list guide to ensure your preferred hospital is covered by Expert Select. While Expert Select is a great cost-containment option, it does not provide full access to all Aviva hospitals. In the event of a claim, Aviva will direct you to a hospital or consultant covered by the Expert Select option. This may require travel; however, Aviva will try to arrange facilities as close to you as possible. If you have pre-established relationships with consultants or prefer to be treated at a specific hospital, Expert Select may not be the right choice for your needs.
AXA Health – Guided Option
AXA Health’s Guided Option uses their Fast Track Appointment service, where members receive a shortlist of up to three approved specialists after an open referral from a GP. This ensures timely access to treatment within AXA’s trusted network and effective cost management.
VitalityHealth – Consultant Select
VitalityHealth’s Consultant Select directs members to a network of carefully vetted consultants with strong patient outcomes. Members are matched with appropriate specialists for their needs, ensuring excellent standards of care while benefiting from reduced costs due to pre-negotiated rates within the network.
BUPA – Guided Care
The Bupa Guided Care option is designed to offer affordable, high-quality healthcare by streamlining access to consultants within Bupa’s Open Referral Network. Instead of choosing any consultant, Bupa provides a shortlist of pre-approved specialists who meet their cost and quality standards. This ensures that all care is delivered efficiently while keeping premiums lower, without compromising on treatment quality.